Dive into the mesmerizing depths of aquatic adventure with these unforgettable games inspired by Aquaria
Aquaria is an action-adventure game that immerses players in the beautifully rendered underwater world of Naija, a lone aquatic creature with a mysterious and unknown past. Developed by Bit Blot and winner of the Independent Games Festival Seumas McNally Grand Prize, Aquaria combines stunning hand-drawn visuals, an expansive open-world environment, and a unique music-based magic system to deliver an engaging exploration experience. As you navigate through the diverse and vibrant underwater ecosystems, you’ll unravel the secrets of Naija’s origins while overcoming various puzzles and challenging combat scenarios.
If you’re a fan of Aquaria, there are many similar games that you might enjoy exploring as well. Titles such as Ori and the Blind Forest, which offers a visually stunning and deeply emotional platforming experience, or Hollow Knight, known for its beautifully dark atmosphere and intricate combat mechanics, may captivate your interest. For fans who love rich storytelling and exquisite world-building, such games provide a blend of action, puzzle-solving, and exploration that will keep you engaged for hours on end. There are even more fascinating games that share the same charm and immersive qualities as Aquaria. To discover the full list of captivating adventure games...
(I may earn a small commission from purchases through links in this article.)
25. Hollow Knight
If you loved the atmospheric exploration and fluid movement of Aquaria, then Hollow Knight is definitely a game you need to check out. Much like Aquaria, Hollow Knight immerses you in a beautifully crafted world filled with mysteries and hidden secrets to uncover. The hand-drawn art style and the haunting soundtrack of Hollow Knight provide a similarly enchanting experience as you navigate through the diverse environments of Hallownest. You'll find that Hollow Knight's sense of adventure and discovery closely mirrors the underwater exploration you enjoyed in Aquaria.
Both games emphasize non-linear exploration and skill-based gameplay, allowing you to uncover their worlds at your own pace. Just as Aquaria offers various abilities to unlock that expand your reach and capabilities, Hollow Knight features a vast array of upgrades and charms that alter your playstyle and enhance your combat tactics. The challenging yet rewarding gameplay loop, filled with tough enemies and intricate boss fights, ensures that fans of Aquaria will find themselves right at home in the captivating world of Hollow Knight.
Hollow Knight is available on PC (Windows, macOS, Linux), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, typically priced around $15 USD.
24. Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forest is a captivating and atmospheric Metroidvania game much like Aquaria. Both titles excel in their stunning visual artistry and evocative soundtracks, creating immersive world designs that draw you in from the very first moment. In Ori and the Blind Forest, you’ll navigate through lush, hand-painted environments and uncover the mysteries of the forest, which evoke a similar sense of exploration and discovery found in Aquaria's underwater realms. The fluidity of movement in Ori’s gameplay is reminiscent of Naija’s graceful swimming mechanics, offering a smooth and engaging traversal experience.
Another strong similarity is the emotional and story-driven gameplay. Ori and the Blind Forest delivers a heartfelt narrative that tugs at your emotions, much like the poignant tale of Naija’s journey in Aquaria. Both games utilize a rich, lore-filled world and memorable, non-verbal storytelling that captivates players on a deeper level. Additionally, the intricate puzzle-solving and challenging platforming elements provide a similar sense of accomplishment and progression that Aquaria fans will surely appreciate. These features create a sense of continuity and connection beyond mere mechanics, fostering a deeper bond with the game world.
Ori and the Blind Forest is available on platforms such as Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.
23. Axiom Verge
If you loved Aquaria, you’ll find Axiom Verge to be a similarly captivating experience with its rich exploratory gameplay and intricate world design. Much like Aquaria, Axiom Verge features a beautifully immersive environment that feels both alien and familiar, drawing you in with its mysterious, interconnected world. The game’s seamless blend of action and exploration will feel right at home if you enjoyed the underwater world of Naija, with Axiom Verge offering its own unique flavor with a retro sci-fi aesthetic.
Both games shine in their ability to offer non-linear exploration, giving players the freedom to uncover secrets and power-ups at their own pace. In Axiom Verge, just like in Aquaria, you'll be collecting abilities that will allow you to access previously unreachable areas, creating a rewarding loop of discovery and progression. The narrative, though different in focus, also dives into themes of isolation and discovery, ensuring you're pulled into the story as much as the game world itself.
Axiom Verge is available on platforms such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Steam, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
22. Salt and Sanctuary
If you loved navigating the mysterious underwater world of Aquaria, then Salt and Sanctuary will be right up your alley. Both games excel in creating rich, atmospheric environments that invite exploration and discovery. In Salt and Sanctuary, you’ll explore a dark, sprawling, gothic world filled with hidden pathways, formidable bosses, and intricate lore, all reminiscent of the secrets you uncovered in the enchanting depths of Aquaria. The art style in Salt and Sanctuary, much like Aquaria, is hand-drawn and brimming with detail, making the journey through its haunting landscapes visually captivating.
Salt and Sanctuary also shares Aquaria's strong emphasis on gameplay mechanics that reward skill and precision. While Aquaria featured fluid underwater movement and spell-casting, Salt and Sanctuary offers tight, responsive combat paired with a deep, customizable skill tree. As you navigate its treacherous world, you can choose from a plethora of weapons, spells, and abilities to tailor your play style, drawing you into a challenging yet rewarding experience. This blend of exploration and combat will keep you engaged for hours, similar to how Aquaria's seamless combination of exploration and narrative kept you hooked.
Salt and Sanctuary is available on multiple platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $18.99 USD.
21. Environmental Station Alpha
Environmental Station Alpha (ESA) offers an experience reminiscent of Aquaria with its captivating blend of atmospheric exploration and challenging platforming. Just like Aquaria, ESA immerses players in a beautifully crafted world that's filled with secrets waiting to be discovered. The storytelling is subtly interwoven through environmental cues and lore, engaging the player without overwhelming them with exposition. This method of storytelling is quite compelling, especially for those who loved the narrative style of Aquaria.
Additionally, both games feature a protagonist navigating through diverse environments that require the player to master varied abilities and upgrades. In ESA, you'll find yourself acquiring new skills that enable access to previously unreachable areas, much like Naija's transformation abilities in Aquaria. The sense of progression and the satisfaction of unlocking new areas echo the thrilling exploration and discovery that you may have enjoyed in Aquaria. The retro art style and ambient soundtrack in ESA also evoke a nostalgic yet fresh appeal that can be very comforting and engaging.
Environmental Station Alpha is available on PC, Mac, and Linux via Steam, typically priced around $8.99 USD.
20. Guacamelee!
If you loved the exploration and underwater world of Aquaria, then Guacamelee! is sure to capture your interest with its vibrant, Metroidvania-style world. Like Aquaria, Guacamelee! boasts a vast, interconnected map that encourages exploration and backtracking as you gain new abilities. The game is packed with hidden areas, collectibles, and challenging puzzles that will keep you engaged and eager to uncover every secret. Although Guacamelee! trades underwater adventures for a lively, Mexican folklore-inspired setting, the sense of discovery and progression will feel very familiar.
In addition to exploration, both games shine in their unique art styles and atmospheric soundtracks. While Aquaria offers a more serene, aquatic environment, Guacamelee! bursts with colorful, hand-drawn art and a festive, rhythmic soundtrack influenced by traditional Mexican music. The combat system in Guacamelee! also adds another layer of excitement, with fluid, combo-based fighting that keeps the action fast-paced. These elements combine to create an experience that's both visually and audibly captivating, much like the immersive world you experienced in Aquaria.
Guacamelee! is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $14.99 USD.
19. Dead Cells
Dead Cells shares many similarities with Aquaria, particularly in its captivating blend of exploration and combat. Just as Aquaria allows you to dive into the depths of a beautifully crafted underwater world, Dead Cells invites you to explore a labyrinthine castle teeming with secrets and hidden paths. Both games emphasize fluid movement and responsive controls, making the experience of navigating each environment both enjoyable and intuitive. In Dead Cells, you'll find that same sense of discovery and the thrill of uncovering new areas that made Aquaria so engaging.
Additionally, Dead Cells and Aquaria both feature a rich and rewarding upgrade system. In Aquaria, you enhance your abilities through song and transformation, allowing you to access previously unreachable areas. Similarly, in Dead Cells, you collect cells to unlock new weapons, skills, and stat upgrades, continuously evolving your character's capabilities. This mechanic keeps the gameplay fresh and encourages replayability, much like the way Aquaria keeps you coming back to find every secret and master every form.
Dead Cells is available on multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $24.99 USD.
18. The Messenger
If you enjoyed the enchanting underwater world of Aquaria, you'll absolutely love the captivating journey that The Messenger offers! Both games feature stunning, hand-crafted visuals and immersive soundtracks that draw players into their meticulously designed environments. The Messenger takes you through beautifully nostalgic 8-bit and 16-bit worlds filled with atmospheric details, much like how Aquaria mesmerized players with its awe-inspiring underwater landscapes. The seamless transition between these two graphical styles in The Messenger keeps the adventure fresh and engaging, similar to how Aquaria's rich environments and diverse locales maintained an intriguing gameplay experience.
Another exciting parallel between The Messenger and Aquaria is the strong emphasis on exploration and Metroidvania elements. Just as Aquaria encouraged you to discover and unlock new abilities to navigate its vast ocean realms, The Messenger challenges you to acquire new skills and abilities, transforming how you interact with the world. The game masterfully combines tight platforming mechanics with clever puzzle design, ensuring a rewarding sense of progression as you backtrack with newfound powers. This dynamic progression system creates a satisfying loop of exploration and discovery that fans of Aquaria will find very familiar and enjoyable.
The Messenger is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
17. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
If you enjoyed the underwater explorations and vivid world of Aquaria, you'll find Shantae and the Pirate's Curse to be quite captivating as well. Both games excel in delivering a richly detailed pixel art style that transports you into their unique universes. In Shantae and the Pirate's Curse, you'll navigate through diverse landscapes, from sunlit islands to haunted graveyards, all of which bring the same sense of discovery and awe that you loved in Aquaria.
Much like Naija in Aquaria, Shantae offers fluid, responsive controls that make exploration feel intuitive and rewarding. Both titles feature challenging puzzles and boss fights that require both skill and strategy to conquer. Additionally, they share a Metroidvania structure, allowing you to revisit previous areas equipped with new abilities to uncover hidden secrets and paths, enriching your gameplay experience with a sense of continuous discovery.
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is available on multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
16. Iconoclasts
If you loved the exploration and beautiful visuals of Aquaria, you're sure to enjoy Iconoclasts. Like Aquaria, Iconoclasts offers a stunning, hand-drawn art style that will immerse you in a vibrant and meticulously crafted world. Both games feature detailed environments that encourage curiosity and reward players for their exploratory efforts. As you navigate through various landscapes, you’ll come across hidden secrets, challenging puzzles, and unique interactions that provide that same sense of wonder and discovery you experienced in Aquaria.
Moreover, Iconoclasts, similar to Aquaria, boasts an engaging and heartfelt story driven by well-designed characters and intricate world-building. Both games present a rich narrative that unfolds gradually, creating a compelling reason to press forward and delve deeper into the game's universe. The gameplay mechanics in Iconoclasts also reflect a mixture of action-adventure and puzzle-platforming elements, much like Aquaria, ensuring that you experience a balanced blend of combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration.
Iconoclasts is available on platforms such as PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
15. SteamWorld Dig 2
If you loved the exploratory and immersive world of Aquaria, then SteamWorld Dig 2 will certainly captivate your interest. Both games share a unique charm by offering vast worlds waiting to be discovered, filled with secrets, hidden passages, and rich lore. Just like in Aquaria, where you delve deep into underwater caverns, in SteamWorld Dig 2, you get to journey through a beautifully crafted, subterranean world. The sense of discovery and satisfaction in unearthing hidden treasures or new areas brings the same engaging experience that you adored in Aquaria.
Another similarity is the strong focus on gameplay mechanics and progression. In Aquaria, you unlock new abilities that allow you to explore previously inaccessible areas. SteamWorld Dig 2 mirrors this with its upgrade system, where you can enhance your equipment and abilities to tackle tougher challenges and dig deeper into the world. Additionally, SteamWorld Dig 2’s vibrant art style and atmospheric music evoke the same sense of wonder and adventure that made Aquaria so memorable. Both games encourage meticulous exploration and reward curiosity, ensuring that your journey is both thrilling and rewarding.
SteamWorld Dig 2 is available on multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
14. Timespinner
If you enjoyed the atmospheric exploration and enchanting underwater world of Aquaria, you'll find a lot to love about Timespinner! Just like Aquaria, Timespinner features beautiful pixel art and an immersive soundtrack that draws you into its intricate universe. The gameplay revolves around Metroidvania-style exploration, with a strong emphasis on uncovering secrets and developing new abilities as you progress through various interconnected areas. The sense of discovery is palpable, and with each new skill, you unlock more of the game’s expansive, thoughtfully designed world.
Additionally, Timespinner's storytelling will resonate with you if you appreciated the narrative depth in Aquaria. Both games boast rich lore and compelling characters, driving their respective plots in engaging ways. In Timespinner, you play as Lunais, a time-keeper who embarks on a quest for revenge after her clan is destroyed. The game's nonlinear narrative, bolstered by insightful dialogues and contextual storytelling, mirrors the emotional journey that Aquaria's protagonist undergoes. It's this combination of gameplay, artistic beauty, and narrative complexity that makes Timespinner stand out as a spiritual sibling to Aquaria.
Timespinner is available on multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
13. Ghost Song
If you loved the immersive, underwater exploration of Aquaria, then Ghost Song is a must-play for you. Both games share a stunning, atmospheric world filled with mystery and beautiful, hand-drawn environments that just beg to be explored. In Ghost Song, you'll navigate through a hauntingly beautiful, interconnected map, much like the vast oceanic realms of Aquaria. The sense of discovery you get from uncovering secrets and hidden pathways is incredibly satisfying and will evoke that same sense of wonder you cherished in Aquaria.
Ghost Song also excels in delivering a rich narrative and deep lore, reminiscent of Aquaria's enthralling story. As you venture deeper into the world of Ghost Song, you'll encounter engaging characters and unravel a compelling plot that drives your exploration. The game mechanics also shine with a mix of platforming and combat, where mastering your character's abilities feels rewarding and strategic. Both games provide a harmonious blend of action, exploration, and storytelling that keeps you captivated from start to finish.
Ghost Song is available on PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
12. Sundered
If you loved the exploratory freedom and atmospheric beauty of Aquaria, you'll find Sundered a captivating next adventure. Both games offer a rich, handcrafted world filled with secrets, stunning environments, and a dynamic soundtrack that pulls you right into the experience. Sundered, like Aquaria, emphasizes exploration and discovery, allowing you to uncover new abilities and encounter challenging foes as you navigate its labyrinthine levels. You'll appreciate the interconnected map design, reminiscent of Aquaria's underwater realms, but with a unique dark and gothic twist.
Moreover, Sundered shares Aquaria's emphasis on a strong narrative drive combined with deep, immersive gameplay. While Aquaria's gameplay focused on fluid underwater mechanics and bio-luminescent aesthetics, Sundered introduces a mix of action-packed combat and rogue-like elements that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. Both games boast rich lore and storytelling, giving you a sense of purpose and progression as you delve deeper into their worlds. The striking art style and atmospheric effects in Sundered will evoke that same sense of wonder and curiosity that you experienced in Aquaria.
Sundered is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
11. Cave Story
If you loved the immersive world and captivating story of Aquaria, Cave Story is a must-try! Like Aquaria, Cave Story offers a richly detailed narrative paired with an engaging exploration-based gameplay. You'll find yourself drawn into the plot, unraveling mysteries, and uncovering hidden secrets as you progress. The sense of discovery and adventure is comparable to Aquaria, making every moment exhilarating and rewarding.
One of the standout features both games share is their stunning, yet nostalgic, visual styles. While Aquaria wowed you with its beautiful underwater environments, Cave Story dazzles with its charming pixel art and vibrant atmospheres. Both games also feature memorable soundtracks that set the mood perfectly and enhance the overall immersion. Moreover, both titles require you to master various abilities to navigate through increasingly complex environments, providing a satisfying blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat.
Cave Story is available on multiple platforms, including PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo 3DS, typically priced around $15 USD.
10. Celeste
If you enjoyed Aquaria, you'll find a lot to love in Celeste! Both games offer a beautifully crafted, immersive world that captivates players through stunning art and enchanting music. While Aquaria allowed you to explore the vast underwater realms with intricate designs and fluid movement, Celeste challenges you to climb a treacherous mountain, navigating through intricately designed levels with tight controls. The level of detail and the care put into world-building in both games make each environment feel alive and full of secrets waiting to be discovered.
Moreover, like Aquaria, Celeste provides a deep and emotionally resonant storyline. While Aquaria drew you in with Naija's quest for identity and connection, Celeste delves into themes of mental health and personal growth through the journey of its main character, Madeline. Both narratives are richly layered, offering more than just great gameplay; they tell stories that stay with you long after you stop playing. The challenging yet rewarding gameplay in both titles ensures that your efforts are met with a sense of accomplishment, making every triumph feel earned and meaningful.
Celeste is available on platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
9. Dust: An Elysian Tail
If you loved the immersive world and fluid gameplay of Aquaria, you'll find a lot to appreciate in Dust: An Elysian Tail. Both games offer intricate, hand-painted visuals that create a mesmerizing environment for players to explore. Just like in Aquaria, Dust provides you with a large, interconnected world teeming with secrets to uncover and a rich narrative to follow. The sense of discovery in both games is profound, pulling you deeper into their fantastical realms with every step you take.
Another similarity between the two titles is the combat mechanics, which are intuitive yet provide enough depth to keep you engaged. In Aquaria, you might recall the fluid movement through water and the combination of different abilities to tackle foes and solve puzzles. Dust offers a similarly satisfying combat experience where you mix fast-paced melee attacks with magical abilities, creating an exhilarating flow akin to your underwater adventures in Aquaria. Additionally, both games feature compelling soundtracks that enhance the emotional weight of each moment, making your journey through their worlds even more captivating.
Dust: An Elysian Tail is available on several platforms, including PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One, typically priced around $14.99 USD.
8. Fez
Fez is a game that shares the same sense of exploration and discovery that you loved in Aquaria. Much like how Aquaria lets you delve into the depths of the ocean to uncover secrets, Fez invites you to traverse a beautifully designed 2D world with a unique twist—literally. With its core mechanic revolving around rotating the 2D perspective to navigate in a 3D space, Fez offers a fresh and engaging way to explore its expansive and intricately crafted levels.
Both games excel in providing a rich, atmospheric experience complemented by stunning visuals and an immersive soundtrack. In Aquaria, the mood was set by the underwater world's ethereal beauty, and in Fez, you're treated to a vibrant pixel-art environment that feels both nostalgic and new. The sense of wonder and curiosity that drives you forward in both games is palpable, making Fez an excellent choice if you're looking to experience that same captivating sense of adventure.
Fez is available on multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, typically priced around $10 USD.
7. Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight
Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight shares a lot of similarities with Aquaria that you're sure to love. Both games feature beautifully hand-drawn 2D graphics that create an immersive world for you to explore. Just like Aquaria, Momodora envelops you in a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, full of ancient ruins and mysterious places waiting to be uncovered. The fluid controls and tight platforming mechanics make navigating the environment both a challenge and a joy, mirroring the smooth gameplay experienced in Aquaria.
In addition to the visuals and controls, both games offer engaging combat systems that require both skill and strategy. You'll find that Momodora's combat depth and variety will remind you of the thrilling battles you faced in Aquaria. There’s a strong emphasis on timing and reflexes, making every encounter feel rewarding. The story, much like in Aquaria, is filled with emotional depth and intriguing lore, gradually unfolding as you progress through the game. If you're looking for another game that mixes beautiful art, fluid gameplay, and a captivating story, Momodora is a perfect choice.
Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $10 USD.
6. Chasm
Chasm and Aquaria both offer captivating explorations and richly detailed environments that avid Metroidvania fans will love. Much like Aquaria, Chasm presents an enthralling blend of platforming and combat, wrapped in a beautifully designed world. You'll find yourself exploring diverse, interconnected areas filled with secrets, lore, and challenging enemies. The hand-drawn graphics and atmospheric soundtrack in Chasm evoke the same sense of wonder and immersion that made Aquaria so memorable for its fans.
Both games also emphasize strong narrative elements, seamlessly woven into the gameplay to create a cohesive and engaging experience. In Chasm, you take on the role of a young soldier sent to rescue villagers from an enigmatic threat, uncovering the story through exploration and interaction. This narrative-driven approach, similar to Aquaria, helps to foster a deep connection with the game's world and characters. Furthermore, Chasm's procedural map generation adds replayability, ensuring that each playthrough offers new surprises and challenges, much like the variability found in Aquaria’s vast underwater world.
Chasm is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
5. Rain World
If you loved the immersive world-building and exploration of Aquaria, you'll find Rain World just as captivating. Both games drop you into beautifully crafted, living ecosystems, where your survival hinges on understanding the environment around you. In Rain World, you inhabit the role of a Slugcat, navigating through a series of detailed, interconnected regions filled with fascinating creatures. Much like Aquaria's seamless underwater universe, Rain World's environments are both expansive and intricate, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny.
The atmospheric storytelling in Rain World is also reminiscent of Aquaria's narrative style. While Aquaria used stunning visuals and a sweeping musical score to build its emotional story, Rain World similarly employs environmental storytelling to draw players in. The game provides subtle hints about the world and its history through its haunting landscapes and the behavior of its inhabitants, leading players to piece together the lore organically. This mode of storytelling enriches the gameplay experience, making each discovery feel personal and rewarding.
Rain World is available on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
4. La-Mulana
La-Mulana and Aquaria share a lot of similarities that make them both incredibly engaging for fans of the Metroidvania genre. Just like in Aquaria, La-Mulana offers a vast, interconnected world that you can explore at your own pace. The game is filled with ancient ruins waiting to be uncovered, complex puzzles to solve, and a deep, intricate lore that enhances the experience. If you enjoyed the sense of discovery and the thrill of unearthing hidden secrets in Aquaria, you'll find La-Mulana equally, if not more, captivating.
Additionally, La-Mulana also features challenging combat and a variety of enemies that keep you on your toes, similar to what you've experienced in Aquaria. Both games offer a non-linear experience, allowing you to navigate through the world in multiple ways, and your curiosity and problem-solving skills are often rewarded. The atmosphere in La-Mulana is rich and immersive, backed by an evocative soundtrack that perfectly complements the sense of adventure, much like in Aquaria. If you appreciated the combination of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat in Aquaria, La-Mulana will undoubtedly offer a fulfilling experience.
La-Mulana is available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $14.99 USD.
3. Metroid: Samus Returns
If you loved Aquaria, you'll find Metroid: Samus Returns equally captivating because of its emphasis on exploration and atmosphere. Just like in Aquaria, Metroid: Samus Returns transports you into an intricate, immersive world where you'll uncover hidden paths, collect power-ups, and solve puzzles to progress. Both games feature meticulously crafted environments filled with secrets waiting to be discovered, providing a strong sense of adventure and curiosity every time you start a new session.
Another key similarity lies in the fluid and responsive movement that both games offer. In Aquaria, you navigate through the underwater world with grace, and in Metroid: Samus Returns, Samus Aran moves with agility and precision, enhancing the feel of the gameplay. The combat systems in both titles are engaging and rewarding, combining shooting mechanics with strategic maneuvers, making every encounter exciting and challenging. These elements guarantee that you will get the same thrill and satisfaction from Metroid: Samus Returns as you did from Aquaria.
Metroid: Samus Returns is available on the Nintendo 3DS, typically priced around $39.99 USD.
2. Song of the Deep
If you loved Aquaria, you're going to find a lot to appreciate in Song of the Deep. Both games offer an immersive underwater adventure where you explore vibrant and mysterious environments. Just like Aquaria, Song of the Deep features a strong and captivating storyline where you guide a determined protagonist—this time a young girl named Merryn who builds her own submarine to search for her missing father. The hand-crafted art style, the array of marine life, and the detailed underwater landscapes will give you that same sense of wonder and discovery you experienced with Aquaria.
Gameplay mechanics also share many commonalities. In Song of the Deep, you’ll find yourself solving intricate puzzles, battling unique sea creatures, and discovering hidden treasures, much like the challenges you faced in Aquaria. Both games are Metroidvania-style, meaning you'll enjoy progressively unlocking new abilities that allow you to access previously unreachable areas. The sense of exploration and gradual mastery of the game world provides a satisfying experience that is both familiar and fresh for fans of underwater adventures.
Song of the Deep is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $14.99 USD.
1. Hob
If you loved the sense of discovery and adventure in Aquaria, then Hob will certainly pique your interest. Like Aquaria, Hob offers a beautifully rich and interconnected world to explore, full of hidden secrets and puzzles. The landscapes in Hob are visually stunning and ever-changing, inviting you to uncover its mysteries. You'll find the same level of immersive, atmospheric design that made Aquaria so captivating, but in a fantastical, mechanical world that constantly evolves as you progress.
Both games feature a protagonist who embarks on a transformative journey, learning new abilities that allow them to traverse their respective worlds more freely. In Hob, your character's mechanical arm grants you unique powers to interact with the environment, much like how Naija's abilities in Aquaria allow her to navigate through underwater obstacles and challenges smoothly. The exploration in both games is emergent and non-linear, encouraging you to solve puzzles and unlock new areas in a way that feels natural and rewarding.
Hob is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $19.99 USD.
You've reached the end! Check out the home page for more informative articles on your favorite games.